China Launches Satellite to Support Exploration of Moon's Far Side

China successfully launched a relay communication satellite meant to support moon exploration on March 20, state media reported.

China is expected to send its Chang’e-6 lunar probe “to collect samples in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the moon” this year, according to CGTN.

The satellite, Queqiao-2, will support communication between the lunar probe and ground crew, CGTN said.

This footage was published by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and shows the launch. Credit: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation via Storyful

Video transcript

[BACKGROUND CHATTER]

[ROCKET ENGINES ROARING]

[BACKGROUND CHATTER]

[ROCKET ENGINES ROARING]

[BACKGROUND CHATTER]

[ROCKET ENGINES ROARING]